CEO’s Regret After I Divorced (Serena and Ryan) novel Chapter 260

Chapter 260: Chapter 260 The Fox Tail Finally Shows

Serena’s POV

I was halfway down the stairs when I heard Eleanor speaking with the security guards. From the terse tone alone, I knew something was off.

"What happened?" I asked as Eleanor returned to the foyer, noticing my presence immediately.

"You’re awake?" she asked, looking surprised.

I shook my head, feeling the exhaustion behind my eyes. They were probably bloodshot from lack of sleep. "Got woken up by the commotion. What’s going on?"

"Your so-called ’good friend’ was here again," Eleanor rolled her eyes dramatically. "Obviously came with some agenda but made up other excuses instead."

She crossed her arms over her chest, fixing me with that look she’s had since we were kids - the "I-know-better-than-you" stare that always made me feel like I was missing something obvious.

"Serena, don’t you think there’s something seriously off about this Olivia person?" she pressed.

I rubbed my temples, feeling a headache coming on. "She has changed since three years ago, I’ll give you that."

"Changed? You’re too damn trusting! Haven’t you noticed how her eyes are constantly following Ryan around whenever she visits?" Eleanor’s voice rose slightly. "All these eager visits to see you... you honestly don’t think she has ulterior motives?"

My sister sighed heavily, clearly frustrated with my obliviousness.

I frowned, genuinely uncertain. Had I missed something? Between the baby and recovery, I hadn’t been paying attention to these dynamics.

"If you don’t believe me," Eleanor continued, "call her right now and see if she doesn’t have some favor to ask. I guarantee it."

"If it’s something small, I could help her—"

"Oh my God!" Eleanor threw her hands up, rolling her eyes so hard I thought they might get stuck. "I swear, pregnancy really did make you lose all your sense. They say ’pregnancy brain’ lasts nine months, but you’re going on three years of cluelessness!"

Curiosity got the better of me. I hesitated briefly before grabbing my phone and dialing Olivia’s number.

She picked up after a few rings, her voice immediately shifting into complaint mode.

"Serena! I just came by your place but they wouldn’t let me in because you were resting."

"I just woke up," I replied neutrally. "Did you need something?"

"Nothing major," she said casually. "Just wanted some advice on gifts for the baby’s one-month celebration. What would be appropriate?"

"Really, the thought counts more than anything," I answered. "No need to spend much."

"Well, I also wanted to share some good news! I just came from Blackwood Enterprises where I closed a new project deal!"

"Congratulations," I replied flatly.

"It’s all thanks to our friendship, Serena! This is my first major project since returning to New York, and I was wondering..." her voice dropped to a honeyed plea, "could you maybe ask Mr. Blackwood to give me some special consideration? You know, put in a good word?"

And there it was - the fox finally showed its tail. I glanced at Eleanor, who was watching me with raised eyebrows, clearly having predicted this exact scenario.

"Ryan’s work matters aren’t something I meddle with," I said carefully. "Just focus on doing the project well, and I’m sure everything will be fine."

My polite rejection wasn’t well-received. I heard Olivia inhale sharply.

"Serena, aren’t we best friends? It’s just a small favor, just mentioning me casually," she pressed, switching tactics. "I just transferred back to New York, and if this project fails, they might push me out. Please? Just this once?"

Ryan’s jaw tightened almost imperceptibly. "Simon mentioned she came by the office today too. Trying to leverage her connection to you."

"And?" I asked, suddenly curious about how he’d handled it.

"I made it very clear that personal connections don’t influence business decisions at Blackwood," he said firmly. His hand traced small circles on my lower back as he spoke. "And that no woman, business partner or otherwise, could ever compare to my wife."

I felt my cheeks warm at his unexpected declaration.

"On that note," Eleanor announced loudly, "I’ll leave you two alone. Some of us don’t need to witness this disgusting display of affection."

But I caught her small smile as she walked away.

When we were alone, Ryan pulled me closer, his forehead resting against mine. "I meant what I said. No one compares to you, Serena."

Something about the intensity in his eyes made my breath catch. After weeks of sleep deprivation and baby chaos, this moment of connection felt precious.

"Even when I look like a zombie and can barely string together coherent sentences?" I joked.

"Especially then," he murmured, his lips finding mine in a gentle kiss that quickly deepened.

I pulled back slightly, my hands resting on his chest. "I’ve been thinking about planning Vivian’s one-month celebration. I want it to be perfect."

Ryan smiled, brushing a strand of hair from my face. "Whatever you want, it’s yours. Our daughter deserves the best first celebration."

As he held me in the quiet of our home, I tried to push thoughts of Olivia and her schemes out of my mind. Some friendships weren’t worth saving, especially when I had everything that mattered right here.